Explore the best things to do in Dubrovnik, from walking the iconic city walls to discovering hidden beaches and indulging in delicious Croatian cuisine. Get ready to uncover the must-see attractions and insider tips to make the most of your trip!
Let’s dive into the best activities and hidden gems that make Dubrovnik a dream destination!
Here are the top 10 best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
1. Walk the Ancient City Walls
Walking Dubrovnik’s magnificent City Walls is arguably the most iconic and best thing to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia. These incredibly preserved fortifications encircle the Old Town, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the terracotta roofs, the shimmering Adriatic Sea, and nearby Lokrum Island. Spanning nearly 2 kilometers, the walk takes about 1.5-2 hours, revealing stunning vistas from various forts like Minčeta Tower. It’s a journey back in time, showcasing the city’s historic defenses. Go early or late to avoid peak sun and crowds. This experience provides an unparalleled perspective on Dubrovnik’s beauty and layout, solidifying its status as an essential activity and one of the very top things to do in Dubrovnik.
2. Explore the Old Town (Stari Grad) & Stradun
Immerse yourself in history by exploring Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town (Stari Grad). Entering through Pile Gate, you’ll find the vibrant Stradun, the main limestone thoroughfare lined with shops and cafes. While the Stradun buzzes with energy, the real magic lies in wandering the narrow side streets, discovering hidden squares, charming churches like St. Blaise, and historic sites like the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace. Getting lost in this pedestrian-only labyrinth is highly encouraged and a key part of the Dubrovnik experience. Absorbing the unique atmosphere of this perfectly preserved medieval city is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia, offering endless discovery around every corner.
3. Take the Cable Car Up Mount Srđ
For the absolute best panoramic views of Dubrovnik, riding the cable car up Mount Srđ is essential. The swift ascent provides increasingly dramatic vistas, culminating in a breathtaking overlook from 412 meters high. From the summit, gaze down upon the entire Old Town, Lokrum Island, the Elaphiti Islands, and the vast Adriatic coastline – it’s the ultimate photo opportunity. At the top, find the Panorama Restaurant for drinks with a view and Fort Imperial, housing a museum about the recent Homeland War. This perspective truly highlights Dubrovnik’s stunning setting. Experiencing this incredible vista makes the cable car ride one of the undisputed best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
4. Escape to Lokrum Island
Just a 15-minute ferry ride away, Lokrum Island offers a peaceful, green escape from the city bustle. This nature reserve is famous for its free-roaming peacocks and rabbits, lush botanical gardens, and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. Take a dip in the unique “Dead Sea,” a small saltwater lake, or find a rocky spot along the coast for a swim in the clear Adriatic. Game of Thrones fans can find a replica Iron Throne here. With walking trails and beautiful scenery, Lokrum provides a refreshing natural contrast. Spending a few hours relaxing and exploring nature here is definitely one of the best things to do near Dubrovnik, Croatia.
5. Go Sea Kayaking Around the Walls & Lokrum
Experience Dubrovnik from a unique, active perspective by sea kayaking. Paddling on the clear Adriatic waters offers incredible views looking up at the monumental city walls – an angle few get to see. Guided tours, suitable for beginners, often depart from Pile Bay, leading you beneath the fortifications and potentially across to Lokrum Island. Discover hidden sea caves, secluded beaches like Betina Cave, and enjoy refreshing swim stops. It’s an exhilarating way to combine sightseeing with adventure and appreciate the stunning coastline. This active exploration is consistently rated as one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia for memorable views and fun.
6. Relax and Swim at Banje Beach
Located just east of the Old Town, Banje Beach is Dubrovnik’s most famous spot for sunbathing and swimming, boasting iconic views of the city walls and Lokrum Island. This pebble beach offers crystal-clear turquoise water perfect for cooling off. Choose between the vibrant Banje Beach Club section with rentable loungers or the free public area. While it can get crowded, especially in summer, the stunning backdrop and lively atmosphere make it a quintessential Dubrovnik experience. Relaxing here, taking in the incredible scenery while enjoying the Adriatic sun and sea, is easily one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia for leisure time—and a must for anyone exploring the most beautiful places in Croatia, where historic charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
7. Visit Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress)
Perched dramatically on a cliff outside the western walls, Fort Lovrijenac, or “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar,” is a must-visit. This imposing fortress played a key role in the city’s defense and offers stunning alternative views of the Old Town and Pile Bay. Explore its historic stone walls and imagine its past defending the city’s freedom, famously inscribed above the gate. Fans will recognize it as the Red Keep from Game of Thrones. Often included with the City Walls ticket, climbing up to Lovrijenac provides unique photo opportunities and a deeper historical understanding, making it one of the best historical things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
8. Take a Game of Thrones Tour
Dubrovnik served as the stunning backdrop for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, and taking a themed tour is a hugely popular activity. Follow expert guides (sometimes former extras) to iconic filming locations like the Jesuit Stairs (Walk of Shame), Pile Gate, Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep), and hidden spots within the Old Town. Guides share behind-the-scenes stories and compare scenes with the actual locations using photos. Even if you’re not a massive fan, it’s a fun way to explore the city. For enthusiasts, it’s an unforgettable experience, making it one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia for pop culture fans.
9. Consider a Day Trip
While Dubrovnik is captivating, exploring the surrounding region via a day trip enhances your visit. Consider the charming coastal town of Cavtat, easily reached by boat or bus. Alternatively, take a ferry or boat tour to the beautiful Elaphiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan) for beaches and relaxation. For cultural immersion, venture across the border to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, famed for its Old Bridge, or explore the stunning Bay of Kotor and its walled city in Montenegro. These excursions offer diverse scenery and experiences, making a day trip one of the best things to do when based in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
10. Savor Croatian Cuisine and Wine
Experiencing the local food scene is essential in Dubrovnik. Indulge in fresh Dalmatian cuisine, focusing on seafood like grilled fish or black risotto (crni rižot), colored with cuttlefish ink. Try traditional Peka (meat or octopus slow-cooked under embers – order ahead) or enjoy local prosciutto and cheese. Explore charming ‘Konoba’ taverns tucked away in the Old Town’s alleys. Pair your meals with excellent Croatian wines, such as Plavac Mali red from the nearby Pelješac peninsula or Pošip white. Savouring these authentic flavors is a cultural delight and undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia for food lovers.
